Hello, dear readers! Here's your chapter!
'Case#2 - A Rainy Parade' is available in chapter format on patre0n if you're interested. The video will come up in the next few weeks.
The first case of my new detective story is available on youtube, along with the first chapter being available on patre0n if you're interested. it's a story following a detective and a new police officer who partner together to resolve crimes committed or linked to extraordinary beings. The setting is a 1920 style parallel world.
Do check the first case of 'Everlight City's Extraordinary Investigations' : https://youtu.be/BKCr9mg4OeQ
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Flowing Stars Archipelago, Earth
A relatively short time later, the four Mikhailovs found themselves inside the Federation's International Relay Station's main terminal located in Central Star City, which was Central Star Island's capital city.
In the gargantuan building, a female staff member was leading them to a special section of the terminal that only a few VIPs had access to.
While following the woman silently, the group of four was actually busy chatting through the Soul Bond, with Sera reminding the others.
["Remember that the cloaking Spell combination I used has limits. If you use powers stronger than Early Core Formation, although the Spell won't break completely, it will still grow weaker, and some of your real aura will leak out."]
For the group, that was the worst thing that could happen, as their Immortal-Grade Bloodline, although not too exceptional in the Immortal Realm, was something that should not exist in a Mortal World.
A pseudo-immortal-grade physique could be explained by a random broken Immortal-grade item going through the world barrier and then being fortuitously absorbed by someone.
IN that situation, the Mortal talent could break through further and reach the Pseudo-Immortal level, though those without much knowledge, such as cultivators from Mortal Worlds, call them Immortal-Grade talent.
That was the level everyone believed Demian had reached after his very public Heart breakthrough a few years prior.
However, to have a complete Immortal bloodline, even a low-level one, implied that the cultivator was either an Immortal's descendant or that the bloodline had been refined and merged from a complete Immortal being or complete Immortal Item.
In Demian's case, if he were found out, many Transcendent and even High Void Sapling cultivators would do anything to capture him and refine his bloodline to merge it with their own, even though the odds of success were extremely low.
In other words, before reaching the peak or close to the peak of this Mortal World, it was best to hide their true foundation and even their cultivation speed.
In any case, even if there were no 'improvements' along the way, it would not take long for them to become invincible on Earth.
The thing was, with his Perk doing its magic, it was highly possible that their bloodline would keep evolving, which would further decrease the time needed to become that strong.
Shoving that thought to the side, Demian asked.
["Love, are you certain that we can hide from any Tier 6 Array's detection? It's not that I doubt you, but I want you to be sure before we actually go through with it. After all, your lives are much more important than getting my father for our wedding."]
With a reassuring smile, Sera replied.
["I'm fairly certain, yes. Of course, there's no absolute, but to be honest, your Soul Shield Perk is as broken as your other three Perks. Just by using it, those Peak Tier 5 and weak Tier 6 Arrays wouldn't be able to sense anything we don't want them to. Adding my Pseudo-Inner World and a Tier 6 cloaking Spell is enough to deal with even those stronger than average Formations."]
Perceiving his hesitation, she added.
["Actually, it's not as if we're completely hiding ourselves. We're just putting a fake layer for them to sense, so the level of difficulty is much lower."]
Letting out a breath, the young man knew that he would not get anything better.
Not at their current cultivation level, at least.
Nodding his head, Demian simply replied with an 'ok' before he felt Adeliya's small hands gently grabbing his own.
Turning his head toward her, he noticed her warm smile as she interjected reassuringly.
["We'll be fine, Darling, don't worry. We'll only stay there for a few days, so nothing will go wrong."]
Hearing her words, a wry smile appeared on his face, and a single thought traversed his mind.
'Why does that sound like a red flag?'
Still, he knew they were right, so he simply let it go and fell silent, his mind busy recalling some old memories.
As images of familiar faces and places appeared in his head, Demian felt a hint of anticipation mixed with some apprehension.
Would things have changed, or did everything stay the same?
Half an hour later, the four Mikhailovs, who had waited for more than ten minutes before they received the authorization to teleport, walked toward the center of the teleportation circle before the female staff member exclaimed.
"Ladies and Lord, prepare yourself. The jump will happen in three seconds. Two. One. Activation."
As soon as the last word left her lips, the circle filled with esoteric runes lit up and a massive wave of Void Qi washed over their bodies, propelling them through the deep Void Layers while protecting them with a thick Void Qi bubble-like layer.
Unlike the last time they performed a long-distance teleportation, this time, all four were at the Void Seed Rank, avoiding any physical and mental discomfort.
Thus, they were all able to observe the Void QI flow around them, which brought a flurry of new insights to their Void mastery.
The only exception was Sera, whose Void mastery had brushed against the Infinite Space layers beyond Earth's Nine Void Layers, a level right below the Immortal level.
Of course, what she could use was limited by her current cultivation realm, so her actual capabilities were way below her theoretical knowledge.
While the three less experienced Mikhailovs were busy observing the Void Sea around them, time passed slowly with no noticeable change outside their Void bubble.
It was only a few hours later that they felt a progressive shift, with the Void pressure constantly diminishing, along with their speed.
They could even perceive that they were moving progressively closer to the surface, which should mean that they were about to arrive at their destination.
Turning toward the other three, Sera uttered one last word of caution before she braced herself for the arrival.
As the 'light' grew 'brighter', the four finally left the Void Layers, their bodies being thrown toward the center of another similar teleportation circle, where they quickly stabilized themselves, and let out a collective sigh of relief.
With their powerful strength, the four quickly adjusted and immediately recognized the place they were in.
At that moment, a sarcastic voice reached their ears.
"So the newcomers were you four. Seeing your current cultivation, it seems that leaving this cursed place did you well."
Somewhere extremely far away, in the Infinite Layer sea, beyond Earth's World barrier.
There, floating in the Void, lay a gigantic dark crimson palace, its size larger than Earth's Main continent.
Inside were numerous cultivators and beasts moving with purpose, each having their own task to accomplish.
A constant tension filled the air, and none of them dared chat with each other, as it might result in angering the one above, which would have disastrous consequences for their own well-being.
In this place, aside from the leader, the weakest was a First Heaven Transcendent and the strongest was a Peak Ninth Heaven Transcendent with one foot in the Immortal level.
On Earth, such a cultivation level would make one a First-Grade, or even Peak-Grade Force Ancestor.
However, in this place, they were merely used as replaceable minions, whose usefulness would be squeezed out even in death, turning into blood food for the Leader's cultivation.
Duan Yi used to be a Transcendent ancestor from the Heavenly Forging Mountain, a Mid-Tier 6 Force located on Earth's main continent.
Having been stuck at the Fourth Heaven stage for a few million years, he had searched high and low for a way to advance his cultivation further and finally resolved to sell his loyalty to the Immortal Crimson Autocracy as, despite being an Evil Force, it was undeniably the strongest force on Earth, with the resources and cultivation techniques to match its power.
However, what Duan Yi could have never expected was the earth-shattering truth behind the Autocracy's existence.
Shaking his head slightly, the old man told himself.
'It's too late anyway. Now, I can only do my best to avoid being turned into blood food. Who knows, I may be lucky enough to get the resources for a breakthrough to the Fifth Heaven...?'
His words could not even convince himself, but he simply let it go and kept moving toward the Forging Hall.
However, his body suddenly froze as the Blood Mark in his consciousness vibrated, with a message being sent directly to his mind.
'Come to me. I have a task for you.'
The words came directly from the 'leader', though Duan Yi learned that the cultivator's real title was 'Lord Immortal Envoy', though he knew nothing about the force behind him.
Taking a deep breath to calm his shaking body, the old man quickly moved toward the audience room, where a being that seemed as vast as an entire world sat on a throne even more massive.
The cultivator's figure was shrouded in a blood mist and, from Duan Yi's perspective, only the mysterious Immortal's crimson eyes were visible.
As soon as the old forging master arrived in the room, the Lord Envoy exclaimed.
"I've sensed a slight disturbance from the Origin Islands' Arrays. You are to move there to investigate any abnormal event and report to me. I'll give you further instructions depending on the situation."
Despite the fact that the Immortal did not leak any aura, the sheer difference in life-level felt extremely oppressive for Duan Yi, despite his Transcendent cultivation, making it hard to even utter a word in the mysterious entity's presence.
However, he still forced himself to ask more, as it may be the difference between accomplishing the mission or failing it, the latter's consequences certain to be dire for himself.
"Lord Immortal Envoy, may I know what type of event I should focus my investigation on?"
Bracing for the other person's anger, Duan Yi was surprised when nothing happened aside from the Envoy's calm voice reaching his ears.
"There should be someone possessing a weak Immortal Bloodline appearing on the Islands. Focus on those cultivators whose cultivation has grown faster than normal. Once you find the right target, capture them and bring them to me here. You're dismissed"
After bowing once more, Duan Yi left for the World Channel, leaving the Envoy pondering on the strange feeling he had sensed from the Formation he had set up to isolate the Origin Islands.
While repeatedly tapping his finger on the throne's armrest, he wondered inwardly.
'This is strange... I've blockaded this Mortal World for so long, so aside from some broken items I discarded, there shouldn't be any complete Immortal Items left... Or could it be that someone experienced a bloodline atavism...? But for that to happen, Immortal Qi is essential, and not in small quantity... Could it be that some of my enemies have found this World and are trying to sabotage my hold on it...?'
Although feeling puzzled by the situation, the Envoy was not particularly worried, as even the strongest Mortal cultivator could be instantly obliterated by a single thought of his.
After all, Mortals and Immortals were too completely different creatures.
Still, the Lord Envoy had always been cautious and thus chose to immediately investigate that person thoroughly, to avoid any future mishaps.
'The fluctuations I sensed are still weak, most likely around Tier 4 or 5, so sending a Mid Tier 6 Mortal should be enough to capture that person. If only my cultivation wasn't restricted to Peak Tier 6 once I enter the World Barrier, I could find and deal with that cultivator effortlessly...'
Shaking his head slightly, the mysterious Envoy chose to let it go, leaving the task to his subordinates and focusing on his own cultivation.
After mumbling a few words, he closed his eyes and resumed his previously interrupted Immortal practice.
"Cultivation as an Immortal is so slow... Fortunately, there's an abundance of blood food to expedite the process... Soon, I should be able to break through to the next level..."
Back on the Origin Islands.
Turning their heads toward the voice's origin, Demian and the three women noticed a familiar sleazy-looking man, his eyes rudely leering at Liya's, Sera's and Bryn's bodies.
Despite covering themselves with somewhat loose outfits and using a cloaking spell to partially hide their beauty, the result was only passable.
Indeed, even with all that, they could still be considered extraordinarily beautiful, which, for a lecherous man like Beardsley, was extremely tempting.
Fortunately, the four people's strength was not what it used to be, and thus none of the four Mikhailovs felt worried.
Instead, Demian's body immediately erupted with a Peak Early Core Formation aura filled with killing intent, which he immediately used to pressure the other man while declaring coldly.
"Old man, you better watch your mouth. Some things shouldn't be said, and some people shouldn't be touched."
With his current cultivation, Demian could crush the other man with a thought, but that was only if he could use his whole strength, something that, unless he wanted to put all four of their lives at risk, he could not do.
Thus, he opted for the next best thing: intimidation.
Not through pure strength, but through his incredibly solid foundation.
Indeed, despite not being able to use his Immortal Bloodline aura, since his heart breakthrough had been public, he could still use the equivalent of a Low Pseudo Immortal-Grade talent to face the man.
While sensing the young man's frighteningly deep aura, Beardsley realized that it would be almost impossible to take him down without making a huge commotion, and thus let go of his crooked thoughts.
While gritting his teeth, the man cursed Demian inwardly for a while before pondering.
'Damn brat! If it wasn't because acting against you would waste my effort in guarding this place for the last five hundred years, I swear I'd cripple you and make you watch while I ravage your three women. Fuck!'
As for waiting for his guarding shift to end in another one hundred years and deal with that young man afterwards?
Well, from the kid's cultivation speed, the result would probably be Beardsley's own death, so it was best to forget it.
While tightening his fists in repressed anger, he exclaimed inwardly.
'Once I get that Void Foundation Merging Pill, I'll finally be able to resume cultivating. With the Autocracy's resources, who knows if I can't surpass that brat in the end?'
Seeing Beardsley falling silent, Demian then gestured for the three Mikhailov women to follow him and started moving toward the exit while blatantly ignoring the other man.
However, the sudden movement brought the previously daydreaming guardian back to reality, prompting him to exclaim after the four.
"You four better follow the rules on the Origin Islands. If you break any of them, it won't just be me acting against all of you, I can promise you that. You better watch yourself."
Although the words were fierce, the Mikhailovs treated them as a dog barking and kept moving toward the Mansion's exit.
Noting that the man did not follow them, a sneer appeared on Demian's face as he commented.
"No wonder Teacher said he was useless. Truly the kind of man who bullies the weak and fears the strong."
Shaking his head slightly, he then added, though through the Soul Bond this time.
["Speaking of which, correct me if I'm wrong, but when I sensed his cultivation, it felt extremely... Hollow... Like neither here nor there kind of feeling..."]
Sera, the most knowledgeable person in their group of four, then answered calmly.
["That man most likely used a special technique which allowed his strength to reach one foot into the Void Seed Rank. The problem with that kind of technique is that it turns your Inner Core into a fake Void Seed, with some Void characteristics, but without much increase in lifespan. Not only that, but progressing further is almost impossible without some extremely precious Tier 5 Pills. That's why it's called the Fake Void Seed Level. That's also why Teacher and Uncle Sergei could so easily deal with him last time despite having only reached the Peak Core Formation Stage."]
With a thoughtful look on her face, Liya remarked.
["It feels a bit strange to destroy your future just for a bit more strength. But then again, I guess not everyone could actually reach Tier 4 naturally. Cultivation is truly ruthless..."]
Shaking his head slightly, Demian retorted.
["For others, I may feel that way, but certainly not for that guy. Anyway, let's fly to the Fallen Fire Mansion instead of wasting time here."]
The other three agreed and, barely a minute later, the four found themselves above the Mansion itself, with their Soul Sense sweeping the place with curiosity.
With a smile hanging on her lips, Liya commented.
"Seems like Roman's breakthrough to Tier 2 a few years ago brought a few benefits beyond cultivation, huh?"
Indeed, below them was a massive Tier 2 Formation encompassing the entire Estate, replacing the Tier 1 Array that used to be there.
Although in front of the four Mikhailovs' current strength, the Formation could be broken with a slight touch, for the barren Origin Islands, it was more than enough to ensure decent protection.
Letting out a small sigh, Demian commented.
"Before I couldn't feel it as much, but this place is truly strange. It's as if the Laws are shrouded by something... Even the Elemental Qi around here feels hollow... No wonder cultivators can hardly progress here..."
With a solemn look on her face, Sera replied through the Soul Bond.
["It should be artificially-made. I even have a guess as to who is behind it, but I don't understand why he would do this..."]
These last words were said softly, but the other three could 'hear' them clearly, and Bryn was quick to ask.
["Who is it?"]
Shaking her head slightly, Sera replied.
["Someone who could effortlessly kill me at my Peak while doing the same with several other Peak Transcendent cultivators at the same time. An Immortal..."]
The dark elf's words made the other three shiver with apprehension.
Immortal was a concept that the three less experienced Mikhailovs had often been experiencing for the last few years, from Immortal Bloodline to Physique, etc.
All of these things, however, were only leading to the Immortal level, so how powerful could an actual Immortal be?
Especially if that being was still present in this world?
With a tense expression, Demian asked.
["You said that an Immortal killed several of you? Are Immortals so powerful? Do you think he's still on Earth?"]
With a self-deprecating expression, Sere corrected.
["Actually, he didn't use any Immortal Energy to deal with several of us. Immortals, as far as I know, are restrained when entering a Mortal World. They can't use Immortal Energy, and their cultivation is stuck at the Peak of Tier 6. But even with that, that man could toy with us as if we were just some insignificant insects."]
Feeling shocked, Liya retorted.
["How is that even possible? With the same cultivation, although there might be differences, it shouldn't be a total domination, right?"]
The question brought a few painful memories to Sera's mind, prompting her to reply absentmindedly.
["You don't understand... The difference between someone at the Peak of Tier 6 and the weakest Immortal is many times larger than the difference between someone with no cultivation and one with a Peak Transcendent cultivation. The two aren't even on the same plane of existence. Granted, the Mortal World's restrictions can decrease that difference, but even with that, it's still not enough."]
Seeing the other three not completely convinced, Sera added.
["Every single 'external' part of their being would be at the perfect Peak Mortal level, whether it's body defence, strength, etc. And that's just one part, but their comprehension, combat experience, thinking ability, etc., wouldn't be restricted. Unless your raw strength is several times theirs, there's no way to beat a restricted Immortal as a Mortal."]
After pondering briefly, Demian commented.
["So, a bit like an overpowered AI controlling an overpowered character and going against a normal human with a slightly weaker character?"]
Hearing the accurate, but slightly out-of-context description made Sera's lips twitch from exasperation, while Liya and Bryn had an amused grin on their faces.
Sensing the atmosphere lighten from the young man's joking remark, Sera replied in a more light-hearted tone.
["You could put it that way. So, we all need to lay low for the time being to avoid catching that Immortal's attention. Once we all become Immortals ourselves, that's when we'll be able to face him confidently."]
Noting the barely veiled killing intent in her words, Demian grabbed the dark elf's hand while saying calmly but firmly.
["We'll get that guy, Love, don't worry. It's just a matter of time before we can avenge you."]
Seeing the confidence in his voice and warmth in his gaze when he looked at her, Sera nodded while letting out a soft hum before Demian suggested they move on to find Roman.
A few moments later, the four lovers bypassed the array barrier completely and appeared at the building's entrance where two guards with Tier 1 cultivation were posted.
As soon as the Mikahilovs appeared, the two men who were previously standing still felt their hearts skip a beat, wondering how someone could have infiltrated the premises without anyone noticing.
Before they could sound the alarm, however, the two guards felt an overwhelming aura fall on their bodies, turning them motionless, though their minds could still operate normally.
Sensing an aura that seemed to dwarf their own Leader's, the two immediately understood why no one noticed the intruders.
Clearly, these four people's cultivation most likely reached the High Foundation Building stage, maybe even the Peak stage.
As for the Core Formation Rank?
Neither of the two even thought about it, as sending a legendary Core Formation cultivator to deal with their Low Tier 2 Force was like using a hammer to strike an egg, something that would make no sense.
Although the guards felt a hint of despair, they did not beg the enemy for mercy as they knew there was no point.
After all, sending someone so powerful to deal with the Fallen Fire Mansion surely meant that they planned to leave no survivor behind.
Bracing themselves for death, the two guards were suddenly brought back to reality when they heard a calm voice resounding in their ears.
"I've only stopped you to avoid making a fuss for nothing. We're looking for Roman... My father..."
The first part made the two puzzled, but after hearing the last part, the two were stunned for a few moments, not noticing that their bodies could move again.
Only after they heard a cough coming from the enchantingly beautiful redhead did they wake up from their shock, with one of them asking Demian hesitantly.
"Are you Mister Demian Mikhailov by any chance?"
Indeed, although these two were not part of the battle a few years ago, they still knew of him, as Roman had decided to stop hiding his son's existence.
After all, even though the level of Roman's opponents had grown alongside his cultivation, with Demian and the three Mikhailov women having joined a Low Tier 5 Force from outside the Origin Islands, there was no need to fear for their safety.
At least, any enemy of his would have to think very hard before attempting to hurt them, as it could invite a fierce retaliation from Demian's backing.
Nodding his head, the young man replied to the guard's question in a calm tone.
"Yes. Now, can you lead us to Roman?"
Hearing Demian's words, the two guards felt speechless for a brief moment before they both felt a surge of excitement, thinking about how incredibly powerful their leader's son was.
Since the two were family, wouldn't that mean that they would gain an extremely powerful backer?
While trying to rein in their elation, the two then quickly bowed before one of them gestured for the Mikhailovs to follow him inside.
As for checking the four people's identity before leading them straight to their leader?
With that level of strength, did he really need to lie and demean himself by pretending to be the son of a First-level Foundation Building cultivator?
Still, the guard was not completely careless and thus opted to send a message through a communication token to inform Lord Yanov of the group's arrival.
It was only a brief moment later that the guard received a response ordering him to bring them to his personal study where he would be waiting for them.
As the group walked through the Main building, old memories appeared in their minds, bringing a sense of melancholy to the four lovers.
Indeed, six years had gone by, but it seemed as if little had changed.
The same decor, same pieces of furniture and same architecture.
However, the people were not the same they had met last time and as for themselves...
Well, describing their own transformation as anything less than heaven-shattering would be an outright lie.
They... They were not the same...
It felt... strange... Somewhat disturbing even...
As if there was a sort of dissonance between Demian's mind and reality.
As the group was approaching the study's closed door, the young man thought.
'Time can be truly terrifying. Just a few years and I already feel like an outsider, like I don't belong here.'
Shaking his head inwardly, the young man pushed that thought to the side of his mind as the five of them arrived before Roman's study.
After knocking on the door and announcing themselves, the guard opened the door and gestured toward the room behind it, a delighted smile plastered on his face.
While feeling a bit amused by the man's overly friendly attitude, Demian walked through the room's entrance with the three Mikhailov women trailing behind him.
Immediately, his eyes fell on Roman, a man whose facial features and overall physique closely resembled his son's.
It was especially the case since he broke through to the Foundation building Rank six years prior, which rejuvenated his body to the point of matching someone in their mid-twenties.
If one put the two side by side, someone who did not know them would think that the father and son were brothers, and even Demian felt amazed at the resemblance.
It was not that he did not notice before, but with his previous bias, his vision had been somewhat... Narrow.
As Roman's gaze fell on his son's face, a surge of powerful emotions appeared in his heart, threatening to overwhelm him if not for his extreme self-control.
Letting out a small breath, the man who was respectfully nicknamed the Cold Lord by both his subordinates and opponents felt his vision turning blurry before he said softly, his expression complicated.
"Son. You're back."
Seeing the man's genuine happiness and overwhelming guilt, Demian finally let go of the last hint of resentment he had for this father who had seemingly abandoned him in the past.
Letting out a sigh, Demian replied gently.
"I'm back. Have you been well?"
Hearing these few simple words, the mist blurring his vision turned heavier, though it took only a thought from Roman for the 'fog' to disperse.
After taking a deep breath, the older man stood up and walked slowly toward his son before stopping in front of the latter with some hesitation and said.
"I've been well. I'm glad you came back."
Seeing the awkward look on his father's face, Demian recalled one of the pieces of advice from his past life's mother.
'In a relationship, one of the two has to take the first step. Unless you're okay with losing the other person, don't expect the other to do it first, but instead put your ego aside and be the one to act.'
Seeing Roman's behavior, the young man knew that the other man had no idea how to resolve the situation, which meant that he had to be the one to take that step.
'Let me be the bigger person, then.'
Having made his decision, Demian then hugged Roman while commenting gently.
"I missed you a bit, old man. The girls too."
Being an orphan and having left his own son to a close friend since he was born, Roman was completely overwhelmed by the sudden gesture, though it took only a few moments before he hugged Demian back while mumbling almost too softly for others to catch.
"I missed you too, son."
The two stayed in each other's embrace for a while before they heard a small cough, which prompted them to separate, the two sporting a surprisingly similar embarrassed expression on their faces.
Then a somewhat familiar voice reached Demian's ears, the tone filled with both amazement and delight.
"Little Dem, it's been a while since I've seen you. You've grown so big that if it wasn't because of my dear big sister Liya over there, I would have thought Roman had a twin brother."